Introduction to Hybrid Vehicles Chowchilla CA

When the first hybrid vehicles came to market in late 1999 and early 2000, they were small cars that looked radically different from conventional gas-powered vehicles. Today, there are hybrid versions of many of the most popular makes and models, including coupe, sedan, SUV and pickup body styles, all at prices that are a couple thousand dollars more than a similar comparably-equipped, gas-powered vehicle.

Introduction to Hybrid Vehicles

When the first modern, mass-produced hybrid vehicles came to market in late 1999 (Honda Insight, discontinued in 2006) and early 2000 (Toyota Prius), they were small cars that looked radically different

How they workHybrids use two motors to make the vehicle run: an internal combustion engine that uses gasoline, and an electric motor. The electric motor is recharged during driving, both from the fuel burning in the internal combustion engine and through the kinetic energy that is recaptured during braking. As a result, most current hybrid vehicles do not need to be plugged in to an electrical outlet to recharge the batteries.

Better efficiency equals better gas mileageRegardless of the way the system is designed, the result in each case is that the electric motor provides some of the power necessary to propel the vehicle. As a result, a smaller combustion engine can be used, providing better gas mileage and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Some automakers, like GM, have introduced hybrid concept vehicles that are also plug-in technology. The Saturn Vue Green Line Plug-In Hybrid may go into production in 2010.

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